CYPRUS: EFFORTS TO SECURE PEACE

Early day motion 1526, tabled 7 July 1998 by Joan Ryan (Labour). Signed by 151 members.

That this House recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to defend itself but welcomes President Clerides' readiness to suspend the importation and deployment of Russian ground-to-air missiles, as indicated in his letter of 18th June to the UN Secretary General, on the condition that progress is forthcoming on an agreed schedule of action which includes measures leading towards the goal of demilitarisation; calls upon the Turkish government to accept as a matter of principle the demilitarisation of Cyprus as a matter of urgency; calls upon the Turkish government to refrain from threatening military action on Cyprus; calls upon all sides in negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem to settle their differences by peaceful means; urges the Secretary General to undertake intensive efforts to secure an agreement between the parties on all security matters; and requests Her Majesty's Government as a guarantor power and permanent member of the Security Council to redouble its efforts to reduce the tensions on the island and oversee a peaceful and lasting solution to the tragic division of Cyprus.

Signatures by party: Labour 126, Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 8, Labour/Co-operative 7, Unknown 1.